Skip to main content

I am on a daily dose of oxycodone for chronic pain related to a spinal cord injury. (I fortunately regained motor functioning after the injury) Anyway, I have been on the oxycodone and a common nerve med, Gabapentin, from the beginning of my adjustment to the j pouch and until now I have had no problems with motility. In fact, I think the low dose of oxycodone balanced out the loose stools associated with the pouch and I still took 1 Immodium nightly. But now, two years out, I had a partial obstruction that resolved after a week but I continue to have difficulty with constipation and intestinal discomfort. Does it seem likely that the oxycodone is now causing problems as my pouch is more "mature." I am quite worried about this as I really need the oxycodone in order to cope with the chronic pain of Central Cord Syndrome. Also, just so you know, my rehab/pain doc is entirely behind my judicious use of the low narcotic which I do not increase despite greater pain then the med is able to manage. Just wondering how to understand my GI distress at this point and how to proceed in the future. I have an appt.in Sept. with my surgeon for my first flex sig and rectal exam so that should be helpful in terms of determining if I have a stricture. Other than that, at present I am using stool softeners and the occasional laxative to keep things moving. Also, drinking lots of water and walking a lot. I just feel discouraged. Having to cope with two conditions together-the pouch and the spinal cord syndrome- is really challenging. Are there others out there who are dealing with chronic pain, pain medicines, and slowed down bowel activity? This may be something I will need to manage and cope with forever. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Savannah
2005 UC
2009 total colectomy/illeostomy
2010 two stage reversal and j pouch
2010 Central Cord Syndrome (partial spinal cord injury with return of motor functioning but significant neuropathy in all limbs)
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Absolutely. I take Norco for chronic pain. I was taking just one a day for a long time, but my rheumy recommended a slight increase for my daily dosing. I added only 1/2 tablet, and have since had to reduce my Imodium use by 1/2-3/4. So, yes, there is a definite correlation.

And sure, as your pouch matures, it becomes more efficient at extracting water. If this is becoming a big problem, you may have to add daily non stimulating laxative to keep things moving, like Milk of Magnesia or Miralax. Using them occasionally does not keep things moving, but rather deals with the slowdown.

But, talk to your doc about what the best option is.

Jan Smiler

Add Reply

Post
Copyright © 2019 The J-Pouch Group. All rights reserved.
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×